Marijuana

Mar 29, 2016

Marijuana

Posted By
Brickfield & Donahue

Marijuana - real or synthetic?
Where is the law heading?
What does it mean for you?

New Jersey's drug laws are being pulled in two different directions
simultaneously. At the same time that the campaign to decriminalize relatively
small amounts of marijuana is gaining steam, the regulation of synthetic
forms of marijuana has never been more stringent. What's happening here?

The Decriminalization of Marijuana.

Decriminalization of marijuana received a boost on May 21, 2012 when the
Assembly Judiciary Committee gave bipartisan support to a bill that would
make possession of under a half ounce of marijuana (about 27 to 30 joints)
a civil offense, with penalties of a $150 fine for a first offense, $200
for a second, and $500 for third and subsequent offenses. The committee's
vote is an important step in moving the bill through the legislature.
The measure is scheduled for a vote by the full Assembly in June and a
similar bill awaits action in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

What will it mean if this bill passes both houses-assuming that the Governor
is willing to sign it into law? It doesn't mean a free ride for marijuana users.
Remember, decriminalization is not the same as legalization. There will still be arrests and penalties-but fines are a long way from
the jail sentences routinely imposed in this state for many years.

Why the sudden change? Several reasons: Recent polling shows that the decriminalization
movement is supported by the majority of New Jersey residents. Our state
has seen the legalization of medical marijuana and the first clinics are
in the process of opening to dispense it. The governor has come out in
support of drug treatment rather than prosecution and jail time.

Meanwhile, even before marijuana decriminalization is a reality, this office
is becoming more optimistic that it can secure favorable deals for defendants
facing prosecution on marijuana charges. So, if you find yourself or someone
you know arrested for marijuana possession, possession with intent to
distribute or distribution of marijuana come see us. The outlook has never
been brighter.

"Fake Weed" Offenses are on the Upswing.

The story on synthetic marijuana or "fake weed" offenses is very
different. On February 28, 2012, the Director of the Division of Consumer
Affairs issued an order placing all synthetic cannabinoids in Schedule
I of the Controlled Dangerous Substances Act for the next 270 days. That's
the same schedule as heroin and LSD. The order is specifically designed
to include items sold under the names of
Spice, K2, Blaze, and Red Dawn X, even if they carry labels saying that they are not for human consumption,
and regardless of whether they are sold as incense, potpourri or herbal
mixtures. This put New Jersey in accord with 37 other states that have
criminalized possession of "fake pot."

About a week after the Director acted, an Assemblyman introduced a bill
that would permanently place synthetic marijuana in Schedule I.

Why has this happened? Emergency rooms across the country have reported
that synthetic marijuana has caused alarming side-effects including convulsions,
dangerously elevated heart rates and blood pressure, seizures, disorientation,
hallucinations, paranoid behavior, and complete breaks from reality. Some
people have engaged in self-mutilation and attempted suicide, or become
so violent they have had to be strapped down and sedated.

Unfortunately, there is a great deal of misinformation out there. People
have been led to believe that synthetic marijuana is perfectly legal.
Some websites laugh at the authorities for being too dumb to realize what
is happening in the world of drug use. But the truth is that the authorities
have noticed-and the possession of synthetic marijuana or "fake weed"
is now a serious offense.

We don't judge. We defend. If you have been charged with a marijuana
offense or with a synthetic or "fake weed" offense (including
Spice, K2, Blaze, Red Dawn X, Brain-Freeze, etc.) the experienced drug
defense attorneys at Brickfield & Donahue would welcome your inquiries.
We have helped many people through the procedure and if you contact us
immediately, an experienced criminal defense lawyer from our office will
do their best to ensure that your case is handled properly and promptly.
To contact a criminal defense attorney at Brickfield & Donahue, call
(201) 488-7707 or send us an email.

The information on this website is for general information purposes only.
Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual
case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt
or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.